Hello,
I am currently planning my construction project for an urban villa (KfW40+) with about 140m² (1507 sq ft) plus a waterproof basement.
I have four prefabricated house companies (timber frame construction) to choose from, all of which have different opinions regarding the heating technology.
A water pump is the only option that makes sense, that much is clear. Everything else does not seem reasonable.
However, I am undecided between a Proxon system (air-to-air) and an air-to-water heat pump.
The Proxon heating system has a somewhat poor reputation, based on what I have read in various other forums.
Are there any experiences or tips regarding the heating technology? What are your recommendations? Is it also possible to have the heating system installed externally by a heating company and exclude the prefabricated house provider? Has anyone had experience with this? What are your general experiences or approaches with prefabricated house companies regarding heating technology?
I would appreciate any advice.
Kind regards
Simon
I am currently planning my construction project for an urban villa (KfW40+) with about 140m² (1507 sq ft) plus a waterproof basement.
I have four prefabricated house companies (timber frame construction) to choose from, all of which have different opinions regarding the heating technology.
A water pump is the only option that makes sense, that much is clear. Everything else does not seem reasonable.
However, I am undecided between a Proxon system (air-to-air) and an air-to-water heat pump.
The Proxon heating system has a somewhat poor reputation, based on what I have read in various other forums.
Are there any experiences or tips regarding the heating technology? What are your recommendations? Is it also possible to have the heating system installed externally by a heating company and exclude the prefabricated house provider? Has anyone had experience with this? What are your general experiences or approaches with prefabricated house companies regarding heating technology?
I would appreciate any advice.
Kind regards
Simon
As mentioned, switching to an air-to-water heat pump was not a problem, but the standard option in the offer was initially the Proxon.
@exto1791 I think it was my husband’s personal preference; I would have probably chosen Rensch-Haus but with an air-to-water heat pump and underfloor heating.
@exto1791 I think it was my husband’s personal preference; I would have probably chosen Rensch-Haus but with an air-to-water heat pump and underfloor heating.
Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit stuck because I’m not exactly sure what I want anymore.
I think I jumped into the prefabricated house market too quickly and too intensely.
What annoys me a bit is that the information is often poor, and in many areas, I actually know more than the sales staff. Everyone tells you something different, and you have to pay attention to so many details that can end up costing you a lot of money later. Many things aren’t even mentioned.
One supplier told me: You don’t need to worry about structural calculations anymore, it’s all included.
Another supplier said: The structural calculations will cost around 6,000 euros (about 6,600 USD) because of seismic zone 3 and so on. We’re not even allowed to check that ourselves; an external expert has to do it.
I’m slowly losing track of what to believe and I’m not really convinced by any of them.
I would somehow feel much more confident working with a local construction company.
With prefabricated houses, you often feel like just a number. In the end, everything works out — for sure, it’s all a question of money. And often, the homebuyers have no knowledge at all! It doesn’t surprise me that they’re completely satisfied. They simply don’t know what could be improved.
Example:
Last weekend, I was at a new development area and called out from the street to someone on the terrace to ask if it was an aluminum lift-and-slide door or a parallel-sliding door.
The answer was: No idea, just a door.
I think you know what I mean.
I think I jumped into the prefabricated house market too quickly and too intensely.
What annoys me a bit is that the information is often poor, and in many areas, I actually know more than the sales staff. Everyone tells you something different, and you have to pay attention to so many details that can end up costing you a lot of money later. Many things aren’t even mentioned.
One supplier told me: You don’t need to worry about structural calculations anymore, it’s all included.
Another supplier said: The structural calculations will cost around 6,000 euros (about 6,600 USD) because of seismic zone 3 and so on. We’re not even allowed to check that ourselves; an external expert has to do it.
I’m slowly losing track of what to believe and I’m not really convinced by any of them.
I would somehow feel much more confident working with a local construction company.
With prefabricated houses, you often feel like just a number. In the end, everything works out — for sure, it’s all a question of money. And often, the homebuyers have no knowledge at all! It doesn’t surprise me that they’re completely satisfied. They simply don’t know what could be improved.
Example:
Last weekend, I was at a new development area and called out from the street to someone on the terrace to ask if it was an aluminum lift-and-slide door or a parallel-sliding door.
The answer was: No idea, just a door.
I think you know what I mean.
Everyone reaches this point. Let everything settle, then think about what is important to you—your personal list of priorities, so to speak.
You need a provider that aligns as closely as possible with this list of priorities.
Try approaching a smaller carpentry company that builds a maximum of 30 houses.
You need a provider that aligns as closely as possible with this list of priorities.
Try approaching a smaller carpentry company that builds a maximum of 30 houses.
exto1791 schrieb:
One supplier tells me: You don’t need to arrange a structural analysis review anymore, it’s all included.
Another supplier tells me: The structural analysis review costs around 6,000 due to seismic zone 3, etc. We are not allowed to review it ourselves; an external expert must be involved, etc. The issue of structural analysis review is actually regulated by law. In some federal states – for example, here in Hesse – the structural analysis review must be carried out by an external structural engineer.
AxelH. schrieb:
The issue of structural verification is actually regulated by law. In some federal states – for example, here in Hesse – the structural verification must be carried out by an external structural engineer. Exactly. But then I wonder: where is the trust in all this? Somehow, the companies are too detached from the process. They just sell the house and that’s it, they don’t care about anything else. That’s why the question really is whether I should look for a local builder specializing in solid construction.
exto1791 schrieb:
Therefore, the question here is whether I should look for a local masonry or concrete builder.And those who seriously consider this often end up choosing the masonry builder.At that time, we had discussions with 7 companies: 5 prefabricated home manufacturers and 2 masonry builders. In the end, three made the shortlist, and the winner was the masonry builder who had an office only 20 km (12 miles) away and could therefore be on site every day.